Is Sanofi really leaving Tunisia

A Rumor Amplified by Social Media Amidst a Confirmed Strategic Evolution

Widely shared posts on social media have recently claimed that Sanofi is considering a complete withdrawal from the Tunisian market, sparking a heated controversy and reactions from local unions that evoke a possible cessation of activity of its subsidiary in Tunisia. To date, no official announcement of a total withdrawal has been published by the group itself, but a major strategic partnership has been confirmed, significantly modifying the operational presence of the laboratory in the country.

Strategic Evolution, Not Complete Withdrawal

Contrary to rumors, Sanofi has not officially announced the complete closure of its activities in Tunisia. The group's communication is rather focused on a reconfiguration of its local model, centered on a strategic partnership with Groupe Kilani, a major Tunisian player in the pharmaceutical sector. As part of this agreement, two subsidiaries of Groupe Kilani, Teriak and Medicis S.A.R.L., will take over key segments of Sanofi's operations in Tunisia. Teriak will ensure the local production of a portfolio of Sanofi medicines, relying on its existing industrial capabilities. Medicis S.A.R.L., on the other hand, will be responsible for medical information, interactions with Tunisian health authorities, and scientific promotion to healthcare professionals.

Moreover, Sanofi has expressed its willingness to guarantee the continuity of access to therapeutic solutions for Tunisian patients, consolidating its presence in the country through this partnership model. The multinational has been particularly grateful to its local teams for their commitment over the years.

Rumors Born in a Sensitive Context

The rumors of a total withdrawal were amplified by publications on Facebook, where several users claimed that Sanofi was leaving the country. Some of these publications were taken up by unions, fueling concerns within the professional and social community. However, these allegations are not supported by an official statement from Sanofi Tunisia or the international group.

Currently, requests for formal reaction addressed to Sanofi Tunisia have not resulted in a public confirmation of a total withdrawal. This leaves room for an information vacuum that hasty interpretations on social media have amplified, regardless of the real structural facts of the partnership.

A Model Focused on Continuity of Care

On another level, according to the details made public by Kilani Groupe, the strategic agreement is presented as an assurance of operational continuity and a strengthening of the capacity to provide essential medicines in Tunisia. This approach is part of a shared vision of strengthening the Tunisian health system, particularly by guaranteeing the availability of medicines and strengthening ties with local healthcare professionals.

This operational setup can be interpreted as a partial outsourcing of activities rather than a pure and simple withdrawal of Sanofi from the Tunisian market. The company maintains an indirect presence through local structures while relying on the industrial and commercial expertise of Groupe Kilani.

And currently, Tunisia is facing persistent tensions in the pharmaceutical supply chain, with periodic shortages of certain essential products, a phenomenon that reflects broader structural challenges in the sector. Health authorities are working to modernize distribution and ensure sufficient availability of medicines despite these difficulties.

Sanofi, on its part, previously had a strong industrial presence in Tunisia, with production capacities installed on the Megrine site, also aiming for growth in exports to African markets.

In summary, no, Sanofi is not officially leaving Tunisia, but its presence model is evolving, prioritizing a partnership with a local player to ensure the continuity of its activities. The rumors of a complete withdrawal are not based on verified announcements from the group, but rather on interpretations from social media in a context of economic and health uncertainty.